Agbekoya farmers society of Nigeria has disclosed that it will deploy magical power to free detained Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, (popularly referred to as Sunday Igboho) if the government of Benin Republic continues to hold him illegally.

Speaking during a peaceful rally on “State of the Nation” in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Thursday, the association’s President, Chief Kamorudeen Okikiola said Igoho is not criminal, but a freedom fighter and he is been held illegally through the influence of Nigerian Government on Benin Republic.

“Sunday Igboho is not a criminal and we know he is being held illegally, Benin Republic Government has stopped taking him to court, hence, we demand that he should be released through legal means, if they refuse, we will use our magical power to get him out of the prison. I repeat, we Agbekoya, will get him out of Benin Republic detention and bring him back home”, he said.

On the Nigeria socio-economic situation, Okikiola called for a reversal to the 1960 constitution or restructuring the country before the 2023 general elections, adding that without such step the country will not progress, irrespective of who is elected as president.

He decried the spate of insecurity across the country, warning of the grave consequences of taking the masses for granted by politicians.

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“It is pertinent that we revert to the 1960 constitution and the different regions will have the privilege of enjoying good governance without having to struggle for Presidency. And if that will be difficult, we should restructure the country inorder to enjoy adequate security of lives and property.

“The FG may decide to hold the election without listening to the yearnings of Nigerians on restructuring, but we are of the view that whoever is elected would not achieve anything under the present constitutional arrangement.

“It is also pertinent to add that politicians should stop taking Nigerians for granted, because the consequences, with time, will be too enormous for the country to remain together again”, he said.

Okikiola also advocated for a constitutional role for traditional rulers, as a means to check insecurity within the rural areas.

The rally which was attended by members of Agbekoya across the Southwest states had members bearing banners with inscriptions such as, “free Sunday Igboho”, Southwest Governors should rise and save Yorubaland from invasion of bandits, kidnappers, ritualists, rapists, etc.”, “Bandits now have colony within our country” among others.

The protesters converged on Olaitan from where they moved through Odi-Olowo, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun, Idi-Omo to Ataoja, Oba Jimoh Olaonipekun’s palace, where they submitted a letter to the royal father on their demands from the President.

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the immediate closure of the abattoir/cattle market and Ahia Udele market.

This was contained in a statement by Abia Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Kalu, on Thursday.

Kalu explained that the closure was as a result of “the sad and shocking incident” of a loaded trailer losing control and falling into the abattoir located at Waterside River area of Ogbor Hill, Aba.

The statement read, “All those currently doing business in the above markets/abattoir should immediately relocate to the following locations: (1) New Omuma Uzor Abattoir in Ukwa West; (2) Good morning Market, Aba, for those currently in Ahia Udele.

“The governor also directed the Ministry of Homeland Security to work with relevant security agencies in ensuring compliance.

“While we mourn with those who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident which occurred earlier today, it is important to state that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had long commenced processes to relocate the markets in line with public health advice received from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies.

“This gave rise to the acceleration of processes for the completion of the new abattoir which should be ready later this month.

“The ministry wishes to appeal to those concerned to ensure full compliance with the directive to relocate without delay while we assure them that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly settled to continue doing their businesses within a safer and healthier environment.”